Ecstasy use among adults receiving AIDS prevention services in Los Angeles county

Background: This study sought to investigate the drug use and sex-risk behaviors of ecstasy use in Los Angeles County, California. Methods: This study of ecstasy use recruited 2,122 participants throughout Los Angeles County as part of a Countywide Risk Assessment Survey. Results: Of those recruited, 6.6% (141/2122) reported having ever used ecstasy. Over half, 68.1% (96/141), of the ecstasy users were male and 42.6% (60/141) identified as Hispanic or Latino. The participants ranged from 12 to 69 years old (M = 27.1, SD = 7.5). Ecstasy use was associated with polysubstance use, and ecstasy users were significantly younger, had more sexual partners, and held more negative views on condom use, than non-ecstasy users. Heterosexuals were found to be significantly less likely to use ecstasy. Logistic regression indicated that younger age, past six-month use of alcohol, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, inhalants, and opiates, as well as accessing mental health or psychosocial support services were associated with ecstasy use. Discussion: The associations between ecstasy use and use of multiple substances, as well as risky sexual behaviors, put this population at risk for negative health consequences, and there is an opportunity to place interventions in mental health or psychosocial support services.